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December is touted as the most wonderful time of the year as it’s filled with holiday greetings and happy meetings when friends and family get together. Driveways and sidewalks buried in snow and ice can get in the way of holiday cheer if your guests get their car stuck in the snow or slip on icy paths! The Grounds Guys® offers professional snow and ice management services , and we’ve shared some ...

Happy Thanksgiving season from The Grounds Guys®! While we aren’t typically recipe experts, we are garden, landscaping and lawn care professionals, so vegetable-based topics are near and dear to our hearts! If you have Thanksgiving guests who embrace a vegan lifestyle and have NO idea what to prepare other than mixed nuts and crackers, we have found some fantastic recipes that meat eaters at your ...

It’s been said, “leaves leave this world in beautiful fall colors and songs.” But you can give fallen autumn leaves new life as decorative elements for the season and holidays. The warm colors and rich textures of fall leaves will bring a beautiful touch of nature into your home. Here are a few creative, easy DIY crafts made with fallen leaves: Wreaths Adorn your front entrance with a leafy fall ...

For many people, fall is a time of vibrant hues in nature. Places that are usually gorgeous are even more breath taking. This fall, pack up your family and take a road trip or hop on a plane to some of these beautiful destinations that are even prettier in person. Here are a few ideas of places to visit: The Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee: This quiet little town will make you feel right ...

Trees are definitely a vital part of our environment. They offer local wildlife a place to live, provide oxygen for us to live and keep your yard beautiful. Fall is the best time for preparing your yard for next spring and The Grounds Guys® has some great tips for trimming trees. Having trees in your yard that thrive does require some maintenance for it to truly thrive. Part of this upkeep ...

Tailgating and fall outdoor party season is here! Enjoy this time of year with friends and family and enjoy the mild fall weather. The front yard is a great place to enjoy the outdoors without having to go far at all, so we’re sharing some ideas for fun yard games to make your party a blast: 1. Outdoor Pictionary/Chalkboard: For the crafty families out there, you can always make a DIY chalkboard ...

As only an estimated 8 percent of people typically keep their New Year’s resolutions, there are plenty of people who don’t! It’s Self-Improvement Month and that gives people another opportunity to focus on enhancing your life in some way. Much like landscaping your lawn, the landscape of your life impacts your outlook on things. Follow The Grounds Guys’ suggestions below to use this time to get ...

With summer winding to a close, it’s time to concentrate on lawn recovery to ensure your grass returns with full force next spring. The best methods to accomplish this include dethatching, aerating and seeding your lawn. Once you learn why these steps are important and how to perform them, you’ll ensure a beautiful yard for years to come. Dethatching Your Lawn Most lawns experience areas where the ...

When it comes to revitalizing the hard surfaces in your back yard, sometimes a fresh coat of stain is all you need. Pick a dry day this summer to stain concrete patios, wood decks and fences. Follow this guide to ensure your staining ventures are successful. How to Stain Concrete The most common concrete surface you’ll want to stain is the patio. The process is pretty straightforward – just follow ...

If curb appeal is important to you, power washing could be the chemical-free answer to uncovering your home’s natural beauty . Power washing cleans up your home’s exterior and the hardscaping around the property, from algae-covered roof shingles to cobwebs under the eaves to bird droppings on the sidewalk. Whether you decide to hire a professional for power washing services or you want to attempt ...

A new trend in backyard pools is saltwater pools. Saltwater pools have many benefits over traditional chlorine pools. A saltwater pool can be good for your pool and backyard, but swimming in saltwater also has health benefits. History of Bathing in Saltwater Did you know people have known about the health benefits of saltwater and seawater for thousands of years? The ancient Greek physician ...

If you live in a warm climate, you probably understand the importance of selecting a warm-season grass. Unlike their cool-season counterparts, warm-season grass thrives in the heat. In fact, their peak growing season is the middle of summer when temperatures are at their highest. Many, but not all, warm-season grasses are drought tolerant, meaning they can survive periods of high heat and little ...

Spring and Summer are known for the arrival of blooming flowers, fluttering butterflies and sandal weather. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when mosquitoes make their return. By including a few strategic plants in your garden to keep mosquitoes away, you can enjoy spending more time outside without having to wear mosquito repellent. Initial Considerations Keep in mind that ...

It’s impossible to have a green lawn without water. Some places are lucky enough to receive exactly the right amount of water from rainfall. For the rest of us, sprinklers are the best way to deliver water to the entire lawn. How do you water your grass? If you currently drag a hose out into the yard with a portable sprinkler head attached to it, you may be considering installing an automatic ...

While you probably maintain a garden because you love plant life, the ability to attract beautiful wildlife is an added benefit. There’s truly nothing like the vibrant colors and fluttering wings of butterflies and hummingbirds to increase the appeal of your garden this summer. Their pollinating habits can even help your flowers bloom more brilliantly. Here are the top four plants you should ...

Summer is upon us, and that means your irrigation system is working hard to keep your lawn green. Unfortunately, a lot of things can go wrong with an irrigation system. If yours needs repair, take care of the problem before your garden suffers! Here are some common problems you might face and how to tell when you need a professional’s help. Slow Leakage When Sprinklers Are Off If you walk around ...

When you think of farm animals, cows, pigs and horses may come to mind. While these particular farm animals are best left to farmers with plenty of room to graze, there are a handful of smaller farm animals you can keep in your yard. Many of these help with lawn maintenance and also provide useful byproducts such as eggs or milk. Consider Local Zoning Ordinances You may feel it’s your right to own ...

Mowing the grass is a pretty straightforward task, but are you unintentionally making the chore harder than it needs to be? Follow these 10 tips from Lowes to make mowing the lawn easier for you and more beneficial for your grass. Sharpen the Blades At first you may think this tip simply lengthens your to-do list, but sharp blades prevent you from having to make multiple passes. A quick investment ...

Looking for a great way to add seasonal color to your landscape? Succulents are all the rage. Just why are these wonders of the plant world so popular? Succulents are beautiful and indestructible The perfect plant to grow in your home, on your patio, or in your yard, succulents are plants offering thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage in the leaves, stems, and roots. More than a cactus, ...

Unique Ways to Save on Your Water Bill For ages, we¹ve used rainwater for a variety of purposes including drinking, washing and irrigation. Although our rainwater may be too polluted to drink, it¹s still very suitable for other uses, like irrigation, washing and some indoor plumbing. The practice of using rainwater, called "rain water harvesting," is becoming more prevalent as water costs rise. It ...

As the weather warms, you may be excited to revive your dormant lawn and start gardening. Maybe you’ve been envious of your neighbor’s grass and flowers for a few seasons, and now you’re ready to learn the tricks for creating beautiful spring color on your own property. Here’s what your lawn and garden need to look their best this year. Creating a Beautiful Spring Lawn Your grass can look lush and ...

Wedding season is upon us, which means flowers are in full bloom and weddings will have beautiful decorations. Weddings throughout time have been a symbol of love and a life ahead. However, many people do not know that flowers have deep meanings and can symbolize much more than just a beautiful decoration for the ceremony and reception following. When choosing the perfect flowers it’s important to ...

With the weather warming up, you’re probably looking forward to spending more time outside. Is your back yard ready for summer? Maybe there’s a bare patch that could benefit from the addition of a small pond. Or maybe you want to overhaul the entire back yard this spring and install a huge water fixture. Whether you’re thinking large or small, get inspired by these 10 most amazing backyard ponds. ...

You did the research. You picked your herb plant varieties, found a place in your home and started your own home herb garden. You planted your seeds, watered them, and watched them grow. Now that you have shoots of greenery springing up around you, use them! Herbs are good for more than just their aroma, they’re great cooking ingredients! Here are some herb-filled recipes to get you cookin’: Basil ...

Due to their manageable 20-to 30-foot height and unrivaled beauty in all four seasons, dogwoods are many homeowners’ ornamental tree of choice. They bloom profusely in late spring through early summer and sport gorgeous red-purple leaves and raspberry-like fruit in autumn. Learn more about dogwood trees to help you properly care for them into maturity. Choosing a Location The ideal location for ...

The first day of spring this year is March 20! While snow and frost are still threats beyond this date in many climates, it’s nearly time to start thinking about your spring landscaping. Start the season off right with these landscaping tips. Plan Ahead Before you pick up a trowel or purchase a single seed, decide how you plan to tackle your spring garden. You might want to break it up into stages ...

Some people love winter and the magic of falling snow. Others want nothing more than to torch the white stuff and get back to warmer temperatures. No matter which category you fall in, you have to deal with ice and snow each winter if you live in a cold climate. Melting ice can pose some interesting hazards. Here are some of the dangers of melting ice and the solutions to help you avoid them. Ice ...

Does your backyard feel like wasted space? It doesn’t have to – you just need the right landscape design to suit your needs. Make plans now to transition your landscape this spring with the help of a landscape designer. Landscape Design Ideas Sometimes the hardest part about landscaping your yard is finding the right ideas you need to begin the project. Get inspired by these landscape design ideas ...

In most regions of North America, snowfall is a normal part of winter. Are you the type of person to jump on snow removal, or are you tempted to put it off? Learn the dangers of postponing snow removal and how hiring a professional may be a better option than attempting snow removal yourself. Safety and Liability Issues Snow and ice on walkways create a slipping hazard. If you or a family member ...

The snow isn’t the only thing that falls in the winter. Once snow is on the sidewalk and driveway – melting and refreezing into ice – anyone is at risk to fall. Follow these tips for proper snow and ice removal to get rid of slippery surfaces and avoid injury the process. Effective Snow and Ice Removal Techniques Shoveling is the go-to option for many people, but you can try other snow and ice ...

Winter is among us and millions are battling the freezing cold weather. You’ve been told what to do to keep yourself safe and warm, but what about your beloved pets? Protect your pets from the harsh cold this winter with these tips. Keep your pet indoors Avoid the cold and wet outdoors to help keep your pet warm. For animals like dogs that have to be let out, keep a towel by the door to dry them ...

If you’re among the two-thirds of Americans who decorate their homes with electric lights for the holidays, it’s important to light up your home efficiently so you can be festive without draining your wallet. Even more importantly, you need to install lights safely so the best intentions don’t turn into a trip to the emergency room. Here’s what you need to know. Lighting Up the Holidays ...

Landscape lighting is fast becoming an integral part of the landscaping industry, as more and more people realize the benefits to their homes and businesses. In addition to added curb appeal, lighting can add warmth and security to any garden, walkway, or entrance. Whether you're looking to enhance an existing system or start from scratch, planning your landscape lighting will help you achieve a ...

Do you feel like your home or business is left in the dark at night? Whether you’re hoping to increase safety or improve the aesthetics of your building, landscape lighting is the perfect answer to help shed light on your home or business. Check out these tips from The Grounds Guys on the benefits you can expect from landscape lighting and some of the options you have in landscape lighting: ...

It’s that time of year when the leaves are changing colors and floating to the ground, the grass is beginning to fade to brown, and the scents of wood burning and pumpkin pies cooling are wafting up your nostrils. For many, there’s no better time than this time of year. Speaking of pumpkin pies, have you selected your perfectly sized, shaped and shade of color pumpkins to decorate your home or put ...

By Maggie Saint John Did you know that compost is one of the best materials available to enrich your soil and help you grow healthier plants? Applying finished compost packed with nutrients can help plants resist disease and fight off insects as well as ensure the vitality and growth of plants in the future. What are ways to effectively use your finished compost? Review these five ways to use ...

When temperatures begin to dip, you know what’s coming: smells of pumpkins, caramel lattes and bright red, yellow and orange fall leaves. While the season is beautiful, autumn brings with it the never-ending battle of your rake versus falling foliage! Here are ways to make your fall leaves work for you. Natural Fertilizer: Do you love to garden? Does your company welcome guests with gorgeous ...

As different plants and microorganisms come out to play this fall, heightened allergy symptoms are common. What’s causing you to sneeze and your eyes to itch? Is there any way to get through the fall without using up the world’s supply of tissues and eye drops? Learn about fall allergy culprits and your keys to survival. Culprits of Fall Allergies Ragweed: When it comes to making your eyes water ...

For many people, fall marks the end of the growing season. However, cool temperatures this time of year are ideal for growing fast-maturing cool-season vegetables such as lettuce and spinach. Enjoy a few homegrown late-season salads, even a few weeks past the first frost, by knowing what to plant and how to take care of your fall vegetable garden. Time it Right It’s vital to know when to plant ...

Are you looking for a way to create a healthier, more beautiful outdoor environment for your home or business? You could spend time and effort scrubbing surfaces by hand – or you could hire a professional to power wash everything from the roof to the siding to the driveway in one fell swoop. Which sounds like the better choice to you? What is Power Washing? Also known as pressure washing, power ...

If you spend a lot of time outside, your deck is the likely gathering place for friends and family. Has your deck seen better days? Do you hope to revitalize it without spending money on a new deck? The key is to power wash the deck before re-staining it. Why Power Washing is a Good First Step Before you even think about adding a fresh coat of stain, you need to remove the existing finish. ...

It’s amazing how much something as simple as a parking lot can make a huge difference in the curb appeal of your business or housing complex. Parking lots can deteriorate in the following ways if not maintained properly: Cracks allow weeds to start growing. Potholes annoy your customers. Pitting looks ugly and ends up tracking asphalt everywhere. Faded lines make it difficult for your patrons to ...

If keeping your property clean is important to you, power washing is a solution that might interest you. Power washing, also known as pressure washing, is a method of cleaning outdoor surfaces with a high-pressure jet of water. The water comes out of a handheld nozzle attached to a hose, which is subsequently attached to a water source. The prevalence of power washing has increased over the years ...

Now that the summer is winding down, and the scorching summer sun is wreaking less and less havoc on our landscapes, we can once again concentrate on bringing our lawns back to their former pre-summer luster. How is the best way to do that? With seeding, aeration and dethatching. The experts at The Grounds Guys explain why these processes are so important to the enhancing the beauty of your ...

Are grit and grime making your home or business look less inviting, or frankly, dirty and drab? Time and weather are not friends with your outdoor areas. Over time, grit and grime build up on your exterior surfaces. However, the professionals at The Grounds Guys have great news! You can brighten and clean the façade of your home or business in a snap with professional power washing. If you want to ...

Adding fish to your backyard pond is a great way to enhance its beauty and lower the mosquito population. Here’s what you need to know about preparing your pond, choosing fish and caring for them. Preparing Your Pond for Fish To help ensure your fish live long, happy lives, prepare the pond with these tips: Plant several types of plants that grow above and below the water. This shades the pond, ...

If you’re in the process of reinventing your outdoor space, you might be considering the addition of a water feature. There’s no denying that fountains, ponds, pools and waterfalls make your outdoor living space more beautiful, but what other benefits do they provide? Is it possible you could improve your mental health and wellbeing by installing an outdoor water feature? You’ll be pleased to ...

As any pool owner will tell you, chlorine is hazardous to store and handle. If it weren’t for backyard swimming pools, there would be no reason to keep this dangerous chemical anywhere near your house. Perhaps this is one reason you’re considering a saltwater pool. Once reserved for luxury hotels, these systems are now available for backyard pool owners to enjoy right on their property. Learn the ...

Soaping. It’s a prank as old as toilet papering someone’s house, but it can be even more destructive. It’s when a prankster dumps laundry detergent, shampoo or dish soap into a fountain so the churning water produces suds. Soaping may sound like harmless fun – a way to turn a public water feature into a giant bubble bath for a day – but the vandalism can result in expensive cleanup and have a ...

In the heat of the summer, there is nothing more refreshing than going for a swim in your pool or listening to the tranquil sounds of your outdoor fountain. But before you can dive into your pool’s cool blue water or relax and enjoy the serenity of your fountain, you have to perform the regular maintenance that prolongs their crystal-clear perfection. It’s no fun swimming in or sitting by a murky, ...

Summertime is a time when many people like to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some of the summer sun. It’s also a time when you need to ask yourself these questions: Do you wear sunscreen? Are you drinking plenty of water? Are you conscious of the amount of time exposed to the sun? Then, as you take precautions to protect yourself and your family, you should also remember to take precautions to ...

Have recent summer rains left your yards a swampy mess? It could be that your home does not have proper drainage. Here are some helpful dos and don’ts to safeguarding your home from landscape flooding and water damage. Dos Do install trench and channel drains. Drains contain and direct water so it doesn’t pool in inconvenient locations. Do allow drainage runoff to channel back into the earth, ...

Over time, especially the hot and dry days of summer, your home or office may have dust, cobwebs, pollen, smoke, ash and more built up on it making it dull and dirty. To get rid of this dirt and grime, the experts at The Grounds Guys say residential and commercial property owners should power wash every two years, or as needed. When it comes to power washing, here are some of the basics to ...

Let’s face it, not every yard is perfect. Nature is uneven, unpredictable and uncontrollable. Sometimes there is a hill where you want it to be flat, and sometimes it’s flat, where you might prefer a hill. Take control by building a retaining wall in your yard. Retaining walls hold many different purposes: Turn a hill into a multi-level landscape Level a yard that was previously on a hill Create a ...

Liming is important for many lawns, but it’s not necessarily needed in every application. It’s also possible to generate negative affects if you apply too much lime. Use these helpful lawn tips to help you determine if your grass or garden needs lime and how much to apply when the time comes. Why do Lawns Need Lime? The purpose of applying lime is to increase the soil’s pH level. A measure of the ...

In recent years, people have been urged to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. So the ubiquitous water bottle now seems to be permanently attached to our hands, our work desks and even in our vehicles! But what about the plants in your landscape -- don't they need to stay hydrated, too? If you buy bottled water for drinking, you know how that expense adds up over time. And if you have lots ...

As towering fixtures in our landscapes, trees are often ignored when it comes to their water needs. Watering trees typically takes a back seat to watering flower beds, but its importance shouldn't be overlooked. Trees are large plants, and they need sufficient water to maintain healthy growth. The Grounds Guys® have seen many tree problems that are a result of drought stress. Unfortunately, ...

Spring is finally here and that means it’s time to spring-clean your house and yard to make them as beautiful and fresh as possible. For some of you, spring-cleaning projects may have included pruning or cutting down trees. If you find yourself with some old tree branches, stumps or logs, find creative ways to repurpose them and use them to jazz up your landscaping! Here are a few ideas on ...

A visit down the fertilizer aisle in your garden center can leave you scratching your head in confusion. With so many numbers to consider -- different formulations, ratios, grades and application rates -- you may decide you need a degree in math to figure things out. Then, as you consider the different nutrients listed on the package -- elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron -- you ...

What stands between homeowners and a healthy lawn? Bugs, sunlight, disease, foot traffic, weeds, fertilization, and even pet urine are just a few of the roadblocks homeowners face when striving to have a beautiful lawn. The Grounds Guys® offers these lawn care tips to homeowners who want to nurse their lawn back to good health. Bugs Pests such as grub worms, beetles and other bugs can damage ...

Summer is here and this means lawns and plants are back in full bloom; however, they may be struggling in the hot summer heat. To help prevent your lawn and plants from fading in the summer heat and keep them plush, green and blooming all summer long, it’s important to practice good summer watering techniques. Here are summer watering techniques from The Grounds Guys® to help you keep your lawns ...

A picnic is the perfect answer to summer and early fall evenings. Whether your picnic is spur-of-the-moment sandwiches on the lawn or a well-planned out feast, picnics go hand-in-hand with summer. What’s not to love about being outside, enjoying good company and a plate full of delicious food? If your outing is for two or 20, you're sure to have a good time by keeping these 10 picnic pointers in ...

WACO, Texas (May 19, 2014) – It is garden season and everyone can use tips and tricks to make their garden flourish. To help make gardens grow this season The Grounds Guys® created a list of four “Ws” that can ruin a summer garden. Wildlife Wildlife like deer, raccoons and rabbits can cause havoc to your summer garden. Put up proper fencing to keep unwanted wildlife out of your garden. High fences ...

The sound of water is nature’s way of helping you relax. It’s known as tranquil sound and used throughout many avenues to promote relaxation. One of the hottest trends in landscaping today are water features. Adding ponds, waterfalls and fountains add a pleasing kinetic dimension to landscape designs. Water features can help turn your landscape into something special by providing a focal point and ...

June 8, 2014, is National Best Friends Day, but why celebrate with just one friend when you can spread the joy to all those people who make your life better? Who can you count on to revive those perennials, manicure the hedges just perfectly and keep that grass gorgeous? Your lawn’s best friend… your gardener! Gardeners ensure that you are able to enjoy backyard adventures with your family and ...

Why compost? Composting is good for many reasons. It improves the quality of soil, enabling it to retain moisture, nutrients, and air, which helps your lawn and plants grow healthier. Since it’s a natural fertilizer, you can save some money by not having to buy those expensive chemical fertilizers. Compost is also earth-friendly. Our organic waste, like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, ...

Luther Burbank once said, “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” Think about that for a minute. Medicine for the soul… Flowers have a special way of simply making folks feel better. They’re like grandma’s soup and mom’s TLC packaged into one delightfully, aromatic hug of sunshine. But you can’t just go to the florist and ...

Spending time outside with your friends and family is a wonderful way to celebrate the warmer weather. Since we can spend more time outdoors, our patios, backyards, decks and gardens can serve as an expansion of our outdoor living space. To keep the party going through the evening, The Grounds Guys has found some DIY lighting that you can easily make from items you may already have around your ...

Every neighborhood has "that house." You know the one - picture perfect with immaculate landscaping, off-the-chart curb appeal and an overall ooh-la-la feeling. We all agree that "that house" can ultimately enhance the look and feel of an entire neighborhood, but what if ooh-la-la, picture-perfect landscaping just isn't your style? Your friends at Grounds Guys® believe that home landscaping can ...

How many times have you heard someone say, you're growing like a weed? You may even be guilty of saying it yourself. But here's the million-dollar question, do weeds really grow that fast? Well, actually, yes they do. You see, weeds very quickly and very easily adapt to disturbed habitats. And once they take root, weeds are an absolute chore to get rid of. Fundamentally, the key to getting rid of ...

Spring is here! That means warmer temps and a seemingly brighter sun. That also means it's time to rejuvenate and clean up a yard that has more than likely been a little neglected during the fall and winter months. Have no fear. The Grounds Guys® have some great tips to help you manicure your yard. Your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood! Remove Debris Besides covering lawns, fallen leaves ...

Tips from The Grounds Guys® for building a great relationship. WACO, Texas (Feb. 10, 2014) – Green Week is Feb. 10-16, and is a time for action and change. Participate in Green Week by building a great relationship with these tips from The Grounds Guys . Be a good listener Hearing what someone is saying is different than listening to what they are saying. Pay attention to what they are talking ...

By Kellie Pearson It can be understandably difficult to find a deep, meaningful and genuine friendship. When someone understands you, knows parts of you no one else has been exposed to, and fully accepts your complete self without any reservations, it really is a beautiful thing. To find a true friend is oftentimes comparable to discovering gold in the midst of the dirt. Best friends truly are a ...

One of the most important things you can do for your lawn is to feed it with properly scheduled fertilization applications. These feedings differ depending on the time of year: Late Winter/Early Spring Lawns wake up hungry in the spring. Feeding your lawn in the late winter or early spring months strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start before the heavy growing season. If you had ...

WACO, Texas (Dec.16, 2013) – After a heavy winter storm homeowners are left with the job of cleaning up after Mother Nature. The Grounds Guys want to make sure that your snow removal is done with safety in mind. If you are clearing your driveway or walkway from a winter snowstorm, remember to keep these safety tips from The Grounds Guys in mind: Dress accordingly. When working outside in the cold ...

Don't forget to perform routine maintenance on your existing sprinklers. Not only will they last longer, but they can also give your lawn more accurate watering. First, you have to make sure that your sprinkler heads are free from dirt and glass clippings. These may restrict your sprinkler head's movement. Clean out the dirt from inside the sprinkler head as well. You can do this by removing the ...

Proper watering techniques guarantee the health and beauty of your lawn. These techniques depend on season, types of plants and your soil type. The amount of moisture a plant receives will affect its appearance. Yellow, drooping leaves indicate over-watering, while grayish leaves and wilting indicate under-watering. Leaving footprints in the grass is also a sign of under-watering. The best time to ...

Ideally, your lawn mower's oil should be changed every spring. This keeps your lawn mower in good, working condition throughout the year. It ensures that the engine is properly lubricated, and that new oil is distributed to important mower parts. Changing the oil on your lawn mower is a fairly easy task, and you can do it well without the help of a professional. First, clean the area around the ...

Dandelions are one of the most persistent weeds gardeners face in their quest for the "perfect lawn." Dandelions are the most common type of weed in the United States and Europe, and they are very hard to deal with because they do not die once the growing season is over and quickly reappear the following spring. Dandelions are green broadleaf weeds that eventually produce a yellow flower. This ...

Lawn mowing can sometimes seem like a chore, but it can also be good exercise. Mow your lawn when it’s dry, at least twelve hours after watering. Mowing a wet lawn helps spread weeds and fungi. When mowing your lawn, it is good to leave at least two to three inches of length, and cut 1/3 of the grass length. Cutting more will traumatize the grass and leave it unable to recover. If you’ve allowed ...

Even though dandelions are one of the most delightful indicators that spring is finally on its way, they can quickly become unsightly. In a similar way, ragweed, Queen Anne’s lace, and crabgrass can all take their turns dominating your lawn as spring and summer progress. Unfortunately, many people believe that the only way to get rid of weeds and fungal infestations is to use harmful herbicides. ...

It's time to dust off the dried grass from your work boots and grab your gardening hat to get ready for spring cleaning your lawn. Preparing your lawn for the year isn't nearly as strenuous as giving your home a thorough once-over. Start your spring shake-down by looking for any straggling snow piles. Spread the snow out into a thin layer so that it disintegrates quickly or shovel it off the lawn ...

Here are some tips on how you can make your lawn tools last longer: Remove any mud or soil from your hand tools after each use. If dried mud has accumulated on your hand tools, use a screwdriver or paint stripper to scrape it off. Wipe your tools dry whenever they accumulate any moisture. This prevents them from rusting. Sharpen your cutting tools and your mower blades every spring to keep their ...

Got Worms? Sod web worms eat on your grass during the night resulting in brown patches in your lawn. Among the grasses where they are most prevalently found are bluegrass, bent grass, buffalo grass, turf, and zoysia grass. Spray pesticides or sprinkle “solid chemicals” on infected areas to rid them of sod web worms. Consult with your local lawn and garden store for the most effective brand. Fire ...

Spring is here and it is time to get your lawn ready. Get your thumb green with these top five facts for lawnscaping this spring. A smaller size lawn (50 ft. x 50 ft.) releases enough oxygen daily to meet the needs of a family of four for up to 24-hours. It also helps absorb carbon dioxide, ozone, hydrogen fluoride and other harmful toxins. On average, eight front yards have the cooling effect of ...

Leaves are changing colors, days are becoming shorter, and the air is turning cooler, signaling the arrival of fall. However, with the arrival of this new season comes a list The Grounds Guys® have compiled that will help to ensure a healthy lawn during the winter and spring months. Rake leaves before it snows because when the leaves become trapped underneath snowfall, dead patches appear in the ...

From saving money to keeping communities healthier, rain barrels offer a wide range of benefits. A rain barrel is a container that catches rainwater that runs off the roof and stores it for later use. A standard barrel holds between 50 to 80 gallons of water, and homeowners can choose the size barrel they need based on the season or the amount of rainfall their area receives. By reusing the stored ...

According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) forty-one percent of fires in the United States are outdoor fires. Resulting in approximately 50 deaths, 875 injuries and $154 million in losses. The Grounds Guys® understand the importance of protecting a home or business. Their team has compiled simple tips to help protect your property. Maintain a ...

Gophers can wreak havoc on your lawn, causing severe damage. A simple way to help rid your lawn of gophers is to first locate the main runways extending from the burrow. These usually have two tunnels heading in opposite directions and you can usually guess where those tunnels are by drawing a line from the outermost edge of the debris kicked up by the gopher. Use a metal pole to poke around the ...

Fertilization is a crucial element to a healthy, lush lawn. Every lawn needs nourishment, but how much depends on your grass type and environment. When determining the best fertilization program for your lawn take into consideration some of these simple tips. Many fertilizers on the market today come as a combination, or can be mixed during the same application time with other agents. Fertilizers ...

Hungry deer will eat almost anything. Deer in different regions often have different palates. The deer in your backyard might be the only one in the neighborhood that enjoys gobbling morning-glories. Deer favorites are often smooth, tender and flavorful plants. Try removing these types of plants or camouflaging them around plants that are poisonous, fuzzy, coarse, spiny, bitter or very aromatic, ...

Effective watering is crucial to your lawn’s health. First, decide how much water your lawn needs, factoring in the amount of rainfall you receive. Most lawns need an average of an inch of water per week, including rainfall. Your grass may need the most amount of water, while vegetable and flowerbeds need a constant amount of moisture during their growing seasons. An easy way to determine your ...

During a drought or general water conservation, it’s important to conserve water as much as possible. But you don’t want to let your beautiful lawn go to waste. Try some of these simple tips to conserve water, while still maintaining a lush lawn. Mulch Landscape mulch helps limit the amount of water that evaporates from the soil. While organic mulches, such as grass clippings or wood chips, are ...

Mowing is an important factor in creating a thick, healthy lawn. However, removing more than one-third of the lawn’s height can be detrimental to the health of your lawn. Use this chart to help determine how tall your grass should be and how often it should be mowed. Grass Type Height Range Optimal Height Mowing Frequency Buffalo Grass: 1 to 2 inches 1.5 inches 7 to 14 days Centipede Grass: 1 to 2 ...

Over-seeding is one of the most important lawn care tasks, yet few people do it. After five to six years, grass plants will slow down their reproduction rates. As this process occurs, the grass will begin to thin out, making it more susceptible to weeds. Over-Seeding compensates for that natural slow down of the turf’s reproduction and helps keep your lawn healthy and flourishing. Consult with The ...

Regardless of the season or setting, there is always hidden beauty waiting to be discovered in your landscape. The evening hours alone present you with countless opportunities to uncover visually stunning effects of your home or business. With correctly positioned landscape lights, ripple effects in a pond or base of a waterfall can glamorize a rather unexciting spot in the still of the night. ...

Wilt Pine has been active in the Midwest for more than 20 years and is the leading cause for killing Pines. The explosive summer heat and droughts play a role in the demise of Pines. The environmental stresses Pines are enduring create an opportunity for pathogens. Pine Wilt begins with the Pine Sawyer Beetle feeding on Pine twigs. The feeding itself causes little damage. However, The Pine Sawyer ...

Ground covers such as English Ivy, Euonymus Coloratus, Vinca (Mrytle) and Pachysandra need special attention in order to flourish and spread. In order for these tender plants to become established and spread, they must be watered every other day for the first month and then once every week thereafter for the next two months. If planted in late Spring (after May 15 th ) or during the summer, water ...

Once new plants are installed, proper watering is especially important, especially during the first full growing season of plants. Try not to over water as this can cause the plant to die, just as much as under watering. When determining if your plant needs water, use the touch and feel method at first. For best results check four to six inches with your hand, underneath the mulch line to the ball ...

Trimming you lawn is like icing on the cake. It’s not necessarily needed, but it makes for a much prettier display. Trimming will help add that manicured touch to your lawn. Edging is a vertical cut and trimming is a horizontal cut. Trimmers generally use heavy nylon string that rotates in a circular motion, parallel to the ground. However, edgers use short metal blades similar to a lawn mower ...

Your home’s interior isn’t the only area that needs a little TLC after a long, cold winter! Revive your lawn from its winter hibernation with these simple tips. When the winter snow begins to melt off, it doesn’t always happen in a nice, uniform fashion. Straggling snow piles can be a problem for the health of your lawn. Having some areas of grass getting sun, and others under the shade of snow ...

Watering ornamental grasses to get them established is the same as for your newly planted trees and shrubs. The one difference being, if grasses begin to look a little dried out, simply cut them back and new growth should emerge. Once plants are well rooted little or no supplemental watering is required, except during periods of drought.

Trees are a valuable investment to your property. Research has shown that mature trees can increase the value of your home or business up to 20 percent. They are also an important natural resource. So it’s important to insure they receive the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. A trees needs are constantly changing due to weather and environmental factors. Deep root feeding helps ensure ...

Identifying the cause of brown spots and discoloration in your yard is tough to do online, but The Grounds Guys™ have compiled a list of the most common causes to help get your lawn back to a healthy, green color. Brown spots will develop on nearly every lawn, and can be one of the greatest annoyances in lawn care . Even though these spots may look similar, each one may be caused by a different ...

Pruning is a gardening practice that is frequently misunderstood and incorrectly practiced. All too often gardeners wait until a plant has outgrown its intended space before they decide to prune. Other gardeners incorrectly view pruning as an annual spring ritual that must be done -- sometimes when it is not needed. Here are the four main reasons pruning is necessary to maintain a well-manicured ...

No one likes to spend their weekends in the yard, but a day out in the yard can have some healthy benefits. So put down that remote and take some time out in the yard to help promote a healthy you. Mowing your lawn once a week is a great way to get aerobic exercise. Try using a push mower for an even better workout. An average adult weighing 150 pounds will burn approximately 300 calories per hour ...

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